Starting on the 20th, the number of power banks that may be carried onto an aircraft will be limited to a maximum of two, each with a capacity of 160Wh or less.

On board, it will be completely prohibited both to use a power bank to charge an electronic device and to charge a power bank itself.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 8th that this international safety standard for power banks was finalized after receiving final approval from the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on the 27th of last month.

Accordingly, from the 20th, under the newly established international standard, carriage of power banks will be strictly limited to ‘a maximum of two per person, with a capacity of 160Wh or less per unit’.

Large power banks for camping and similar uses that exceed 160Wh cannot be carried at all, the same as under the current rules. Regardless of capacity, power banks may not be placed in checked baggage and are permitted only in the cabin.

In addition, on board, not only is connecting a power bank to charge a smartphone or other electronic device prohibited, but charging the power bank itself is also completely banned.

However, some countries such as Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong already enforce stricter standards for carrying power banks, so rules may vary by country. It is advisable to reconfirm with the airline before departure.

Domestic airlines had previously imposed their own bans on the use of power banks on board, beginning with Eastar Jet in October last year.